AN INDEPENDENT WOMAN
CANDACE CAMP
ISBN# 0-373-77097-9
March 2006
Harlequin-Historical Romance
225 Duncan Mill Rd., Don Mills, Ontario M3B 3K9
Paperback
$6.99 U.S.\$8.50 Can.
397 Pages
Historical Romance

Juliana Holcott made her way in the world as genteel companion to young girls or elderly women. Having grown up in the shadows of the Barre Estate, she had had the opportunity to attend finishing school, along with Seraphina Barre, but always knew she would never belong to high society. Her best and only friend during that time had been Nicholas, the orphaned nephew of Trenton Barre. Having someone to confide in had made her life a little less depressing and in her daydreams she imagined marrying Nicholas one day, until he had run away when she was twelve years old. Now, after fifteen years, he is back as Lord Barre. She doubted he would seek her out, but that was far from the truth.

Nicholas Barre has returned to claim his rightful place as Lord Barre. After running away from his cruel uncle and aunt, he survived by any means necessary, be it legal or not. Now there were rumors of his escapades and his nefarious past made many a young girl imagine all sorts of dangerously exciting adventures. Neither confirming or denying those rumors kept his life a mystery and made many wary of him. Having inquired about his childhood friend Juliana and coming up empty handed, he was quite surprised when he came across her and her employee’s daughter at a ball. Realizing that his best friend had grown into a beautiful woman shocked and amazed him. Knowing she trusted him completely, he fought his new found feelings for her and vowed to protect her from his wanton desires. But will he be able to resist?

Juliana and Nicholas renew their friendship and, when her employer fires her for that friendship, Nicholas feels responsible and suggests she marry him to save her reputation. Juliana, having dreamed of just that, was shocked when he explained that it would be a marriage in name only and he would not be expecting to consummate it. After some soul searching, Juliana agrees and they travel to the Barre Estate. Will they be able to live with this business arrangement?

Ms. Candace Camp his written a chronicle of life in Victorian times. The disadvantages of being a woman causes the heroine to accept less than ideal circumstances while maintaining her independence. Her outspoken ways will endear her to any reader. The hero is hard headed but basically a good man with a heart of gold. This book will capture your attention quickly. The interaction between Juliana and Nicholas are like many a childhood friend. Their sexual encounters, when they finally occur, are tender. I enjoyed this book and recommend it highly.

Kathy
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance
Reviewer for Karen Find Out About New Books